A.—No. 10.

field with the Natives. Without Europeans, and however eager and willing the friendly Natives may be to fight, it is scarcely to be expected, more especially if they meet with any reverse, that they will carry on a continuous warfare, although quite ready to take the field for occasional expeditions. Great credit is due to them for the aid and co-operation they have already afforded. I do not apprehend any immedate danger to Napier or its vicinity; but, as a precautionary measure, and to accustom the inhabitants to such discipline as will enable them to take their respective positions in case of attack, Captain Wray of the 18th iiegiment has kindly undertaken to form a night patrol with the Militia and Volunteers, which will give the officers and men of those forces an opportunity of becoming acquainted, under military direction, with picquet and patrol duty. On the northern frontier towards Taupo, the place is not guarded against a surprise, and I have therefore considered it prudent to call upon the settlers on the line of road from Meeanee to Pohue to organize a system of communication by which they would at once be apprised of any movement of the enemy, besides having the opportunity of hearing direct from Napier any rumours from other portions of the Province. A copy of instructions for this arrangement is herewith enclosed. Notwithstanding the measures that have been adopted, I feel that the Government should not relax in its endeavours to secure such a force as will suppress the present insurrection, and the sooner this is done the more speedily will the war on this coast be settled. The Government may rely upon my using every endeavour to assist in the present emergency, but I feel it necessary to suggest that during a period of hostilities all instructions to and letters from the different military officers on this coast should come through me. I cannot but think that it will be impossible to ensure a successful carrying out of military plans, where mixed forces are employed, if even a semblance of divided authority is allowed to prevail. I herewith enclose copy of instructions to Mr. Hamlin, by whom I forwarded several letters to the leading chiefs of the East Coast, of which I have not time to furnish copies. I also enclose translations of letters from the chiefs Henare Potae, Hirini te Kani, Ihaka Whanga, and Hamuera Porangi, to whom I have sent acknowledgments. It appears that a few of the friendly Natives who joined the enemy voluntarily or from fear, have been shot ; and that Paratene Pototi, a chief of high rank and excellent character, was, with six others, tied up preparatory to their being killed. Paratene had previously returned all the rifles in his possession to the Government stores at Turanganui. I consider that the Government has been most fortunate in the present juncture in securing Captain AVestrup to command at Poverty Bay, cordially aided as he is by Captain Tuke and Lieutenant Gascoigne. It will be seen by Captain AVestrup's letter that the friendly chiefs Henare Potae and Hirini have done good service, which entitles them to marked consideration by the Government. Ihaka AVhanga, who marched with seventy of his followers to the relief of Poverty Bay, also deserves the greatest credit for his conduct and example. I should not omit to mention that the A renerable Archdeacon L. Williams has done good service to the Colony by the excellent counsel imparted by him to both Europeans and Natives, as well as by the courage and fortitude ho has displayed during a period of unusual difficulty and anxiety. I have, &c, The Hon. J. C. Richmond, AVellington. Doxald McLean-.

Enclosure 1 in No. 22. Copy of a Letter from Captain Westeitp to His Honor D. McLean. Bir, — Turanganui, Sunday, 15th November, 1868. I have the honor to inform you of the safe arrival of myself and force at Turanganui, on Friday, 18th instant, having, on the way, called at the Mahia, and embarked Ihaka AVhanga and about seventy of his men (forty only armed). On arrival I found the news you had already received fully corroborated. Thirty-four Europeans and fifteen Maoris arc known to be killed (probably more) ; a correct return will be forwarded as soon as possible. With the exception of Tamihana himself, and about five or six of his men, the whole of his people have joined the enemy. Paratene and men have also joined the enemy, who have since shot some of his people, and bound himself and six others, who, it is said, are to be shot to-day. The Muriwai people still hold out, with about forty armed men and refugees from other pas ; they have sent for assistance. Renata AVhakari and three others who went over to the enemy have been shot by them. I have made use of two small vessels lying here to communicate with the Muriwai people, and have asked them to come over here, but without effect. The enemy are in great force, and are represented by Urewera prisoners and AVaikatos greatly reinforced by ex-friendlies, well armed, from Wairoa and elsewhere—the latter only a few, if any. They number at the least 500 men, and must have now in their possession over 300 rifles. I am holding this place and the Court House on the right bank of the river ; but my force, all told, is only 2SO. and many of these unarmed, and none trained. White reinforcements are continually inquired for by all, and the paucity of our numbers is producing a bad effect. The enemy have taken possession of Tamihana's pa, and are strongly posted at Puke Amionga and Captain Westrup's. I should at least require 500 men to take the field, and 200 garrison. The enemy has brought all his women and children, and this, coupled with the fact of their continually carting stores to their position, leads me to believe that they intend to remain. They are led by Te Waru, Te Kooti, Kama, Horowera, and others; Wi-Pere has joined them, in fact nearly all have gone over. I propose making a reconnaissance to-day, to bury the dead if possible. A large reinforcement of Europeans is absolutely necessary ; with them I could attack the enemy, but without, success would be very doubtful. I have good reason to believe, that with encouragement the Ngatiporous would take the matter into their own hands, and, having good knowledge of war and some prestige, would most probably succeed in expelling the enemy, and punishing him severely. I propose making a reconnaissance, not only with the object of burying as many of our dead as possible, but obtaining a better knowledge of the enemy's position. A few light field-pieces or mortars

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IN NATIVE DISTRICTS.